It is true that smooth tube vs ribbed tube is better for airflow. It is actually a minor difference though(at least at atmospheric pressure....I don't know about with forced induction). I agree most of these setups are pretty cheesy looking, but they perform better than stock, and for the couple bucks that they cost, as long as the owner is happy with it then who cares. Some people don't care about what it looks like. I put a similar ribbed tube on mine, although temporary, but I can tell a big difference. I would certainly not show it off though as I think it looks like crap on an expensive "refined" truck. But for $7 it will do for now until I finish the ram air project.